Pneumatically-operated station



Dec. 18, 1928. 1,695,906

' R. J. WENSLEY PNBUIIATICALLY OPERATED STATION Filed Oct. 1-, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 WITNESSES" mvzmon Roy J. WenJ/ey ATTORNEY Dec. 18, 1928. 695,906 R. J. WE NSLEY I PNBUIATICALLY OPERATED STATION y Filed Oct 1; 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Roy J. Wensley a ATTORNEY nym. W

m l vvmyl lnn-wi l Dec. 18, 1928.

R. J. WENSLEY PNEUUATI CALLY OPERATED STATION Filed Oct. 1-, 1923 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 v H 3 "IL 211:

INVENTOR W Roy J wens/e 7 ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 18, 1928.

(UNITED STATES I reasons PATENT OFFICE.

my I. WENSLEY, or nnenwoon, PENNSYLVANIA, Assmuoa 'r0 7 WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC & MANUFACTURING COMPANY, A, CORPORATION or PENNSYLVANIA.

PNEUMATICALLY-OPEBAA'IED STATION.

Application filed October 1,1923. Serial No. 695,842.

My invention relates to automatic stations and particularly to such stations in which the apparatus is pneumatically controlled.

One object of my invention is to provide an automatic station, of the above-indicated character, that shall have a plurality of relay controlled, penumatically-operated circuit interrupters for automatically starting and connectin a converter to a circuit under predetermine conditions. 7

Another object of my invention is to provide means whereby the polarity of a converter may be accurately and automatically controlled by neumatic means.

Anotherobwct of my invention is to provide a station, of the above-indicated character, in which automatic means are provided for maintaining a sup ly of pneumatic energy for the purpose 0 operating the circuit interrupters. I

A further object of my invention is to provide an automatic station, of the above-indicated character, that shall be simple to construct and eflicient in its operation.

In practicing my invention, I provide an alternating-current circuit, a. direct-current circuit, a. synchronous converter, a transformer anda plurality of relay-controlled, pneumatically-operated circuit interrupters for automatically starting the converter from the alternating-current circuit through the transformer and for controlling the connection of the synchronous converter to the direct-current circuit. I

I furtherprovide a system of relaysv for so controlling the pneumaticallypperated circuit interrupters as to normally maintain connection between the direct current distribution circuit and a plurality of feeder circuits, but to disconnect any feeder circuit in which short-circuit conditions exist. Protective devices for the purpose-of, preventing damage to the apparatus within the substation during its operation and an electrically-operated air compressor for the purpose of maintaining a supply of pneumatic energy for operating the pneumatically-controlled circuit interrupters are provided.

In the prior art, it has been customary to use a plurality of magnetically-operated switches in which .the switch-operating magnet coils receive energy from a transformer that is connected to the alternating current supply circuit. In order that energy shall be available for operating the controlling means at all times, it is necessary that this transformer be connectedoutside of the supply-circuit protective apparatus, and consequently, only a small measure of protection can be afforded to the transformer circuit.

In my invention, the energy for operating the circuit interrupters is received from a pneumatic energy supply which is maintained by a motor-driven compressor that is connected to the direct-current distribution circuit. Furthermore, the circuit interrupters are of the well-known standard railway type, which do not require large electromagnets for their operation.

In the accompanying drawings;

Figures 1 and 2, combined, are a diagrammatic representation of circuits and the apparatus embodying my invention. I

- Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of the circuits shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

Anelectrical system embodying my invention' comprises, in general, an alternating current'supply circuit 1,a direct-current distribution circuit 2,'and a synchronous converter3 operatively connected betweenthc circuits. A transformer 4 is provided'for the purpose of reducing the voltage of the supply circuit 1 to a value suitable for operation of the converter 3. The conductors of the supply circuit 1 are connected through a disconnecting switch 5 and a circuit interrupter 6 to the primary windings 7 of the transformer 4. One set of terminals 10 of the secondary windings 8, of the transformer 4, is connected to certain of the slip-rings of the converter 3.

The starting terminals 9 of the windings 8 are connected to the starting switch 11 and the running terminals 12 are connected to the running switch 13. The remaining terminals of the switches 11 and 13 are connected to the remaining slip-rings of the converter 3. The negativeterminal of the direct-currentcircuit of the converter 3 is connected through a commutating field-magnet wind ing 14 and a series field-magnet winding 15 to ground. The positive terminal is condicated in the diagram. Current then traverses the circuit extending from the distribution circuit 2 through a resistor 26, the operating coil 27 of an under-voltage relay 28, and the switch 21 to ground, thereby energizing' the coil 27. It the voltage between the conductor 2 and ground is sufficient to hold the movable member of the relay 28 in its upper position. the circuit through contact members 29 will not be completed and the circuits through the storage battery 32 and the polarizing coil 1-14- 01 a relay 143 are the only circi .1 completed. This condition corresponds to the light-load condition of the distribution circuit when its voltage is above a predetermined minimum value.

When the voltage falls below this predetermined minimum value. the energization of the coil 27 is no longer sutiicient to hold the movable men'rber of the relay 28 in its upper position and it falls to etl'ect engagement between the contact members 29. This completes an electrical circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage bat- 1= err 32 through the switch 21. a conductor contact members 33 of a relay 241 contact members 3-4 of a loch-outrelay 98, a motor a conductor 252, contact members 29, and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32-, which is also connected to ground. The motor thus actuates through a shaiit 87 a worm 38, a worm-wheel 39. and a shaft 41 an insulating disc 42, upon which an electrical conducting member 43 is mounted.

It the voltage between the circuit 2 and ground remains below the predetermined minimum value for a predetermined interval of time. "for example, five seconds, the cor ducting member v3 engages the contact members 44. This completes an electrical circuit: extending from the positive terminal 31 oi? the storage battery '32 through the switch 21, resistor 45, operating coil 46 of the relay 4?. conductor 253, contact members 48 and 49 or": a polarized relay 77, contact members 44. conductor 254, Contact members 51 of an overspeed device 170, and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. thereby energizing the coil 46 to cause the movable member of the relay 47 to move to its upper position.

Electrical connection is thus made between the contact members 52 which completes an :ectrical circuit extending from the positive rniinal 31 or": the storage battery 32 through switch 21, contact members 52 the opercoil of a magnet-valve and switch no negative terminal 36 of the storage ljmttery lVith the coil of the magnetvalve 53 thus energized, the valve is open and air is permitted to pass from a reservoir 54 through a pipe 55 and the valve 53 into a cylinder 56. Pneumatic pressure is thus brought to bear on a piston within the cylineeaeoe (ler 56 and is transmitted through a piston rod 57, latch member 58. and lever 59 to a rod 61 that actuates the circuit interrupter 6. lVhen the circuit interrupter 6 is thus closed, currenttraverses the circuit extending from thesupply circuit 1 through the discoi'inecting switch and the circuit interrupter (3 to the primary windings 7 of the transformer 4.

The closing of the relay 4'7 also cti'e ts engzrgement of the contact members 62. thus completing a circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through. the switch 21. conductor 251, contact members 33. contact members 34, operating coil 6?. of an el-ectron'lagnct (34. conductor 255. contact members 62, contact members 29. and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. lVhen the electromagnct 65-3 is thus energized it attracts its armature member 65. which turns the shaft 37 about the axis of the trunnions 66 thereby moving the worm 38 out of engagement with the worm-wheel 39 and into engagement with the worm-wheel 6'7, and permitting the spring 40 to return the shaft 41 to its original position.

hen the re ay 47 closes. a third set of contact members 68 is engaged. thereby shunting the contact members 48 and 49 and the contact members 44. This connection serves to keep the coil 46 energized after the contactmembers 48 and 49 and the contact members 44 are disengaged.

The closing of the circuit interrupter 6 also effects engagement of the contact members 69 and thereby connects a conductor 71 to the positive terminal 31 of the storage battor 32 through the switch 21. This completcs a circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the contact member 69, a resistor 72 the operating coil of a magnet-valve 73, auxiliary contact men'lbcrs 74 of the circuit interrupter 13. and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery When the operating coil of the magnet-valve 73 is thus energized, the valve is opened to permit air to pass from the reservoir 54 through the pipe and the valve 73 into an operating cylinder 75 of the circuit interrupter 11. Pneumatic pressure, acting on a piston within the cylinder 75, transmitted to a rod 76 which closes the circuit interrupter 11, thereby conipleting an electrical circuit extending from the starting terminals 9 of the transformer 4 through the circuit interrupter 11 and the converter 3 to the terminals 10 of the secondary windings 8 of the transformer 4. The converter 3 is thus started on a reduced voltage and runs in this manner until a predetermined speed is attained.

If the polarity of the direct-current circuit of the converter 3 is correct, the polarized relay 77 will be actuated by current traversing the circuit extending from the posipositive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the switch 21, contact members 69, conductor 71, operating coil 81 of a transfer relay 82, conductor 258, contact members 78 and 79, conductor 257, and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage batter 32. Therelay 82 is now energized and its movable member is actuated .to its upper positron to effect engagement of the contact members 83 and 84, respectively. The contact members 83 so shunt the contact members 78 and 79 as to maintain energization of the coil 81 after the contact members 78 and 79 are disengaged. The contact members 84 so shunt the operating coil of the magnet-valve 73that it is de-energized and permits the valve to close. This causes the circuit interrupter 11 to open and effect engagement of the auxiliary contact members 85. This operation completes an electrical circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the switch 21, contact members 69, operating coil of a magnet-valve 86, contact members 85, contact members 83 and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32.

The operating coil of the magnet-valve 86 is thus energized to open thevalve 86,

rmitting pneumatic pressure to effect closingof the circuit interrupter 13 in a similar manner to that previously described with respect to the circuit interrupter 11. The closing of the circuit interrupter 13 completes a circuit extending from the running ter minals 120i the transformer 4 through the circuit interrupter 13 and converter 3 back to the terminals 10 of the secondary windings 8 of the transformer 4. This operation applies full secondary voltage to theconverter 3 and starts it in normal operation.

In the event that the converter 3 starts on reduced voltage with the wrong polarity, the polarized relay 77 iscso actuated as to effect engagement of the contact members 78 and 87, which completes an electrical circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the switch 21, contact members 69, conductor 71, operating coil of a magnet-valve 88, conductor 259, contact members 87 and 78,;co'nductor 257, and the switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. I

The magnet-valve 88 is thereby opened to permit pneumatic pressure to actuate a fieldreversing switch 89 against the pressure of a spring 91 inc manner similar to that d escribed with respect to the operation of the other pneumatic switches. This establishes a circuit extending from the positive terminal of the converter 3 through the switch 89 field-magnet windings 92 in the opposite direction to that which it previously traversed when the switch 89 was in its normal or deenergized position.

Furthermore, the two shunt field-magnet windings 92 are now connected in parallel with respect to each other instead of in series relation as formerly, and therefore they are traversed by a current of greater magnitude, which rapidly overcomes the incorrect polarity of the converter 3 and establishes correct polarity. The polarizedrelay 77 is then so actuated as to effect engagement of the contact members 78 and 79; the operating coil of the valve magnet 88 is de-energized by reason of the disengagement of the contact members 87 and 78; the switch 89 is thereby returned to its normal position, as shown in the diagram, by the force of the spring 91, and the converter 3 continues in operation with the correct polarity.

Until the converter attains correct polarity, the circuit interrupter 13 will not be permitted to close and operation Will be effected only by means of current traversing tllecircuit extending through the starting circuit interrupter 11. In the event that this operation continues over a predetermined interval of time after the energization of the coil 63, the worm-wheel 67, shaft 93, and insulating disc 94 will be rotated through such a degree that an electrical conducting member 95 thereon will engage contact members 96, thereby completing a circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through, the switch 21, conductor 251, contact members 33, contact members 34, operating coil 97 of the relay 98, contact members 96, conductor 261, auxiliary contact members 99 of the interrupter 11, and switch '21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. i

Current traversing this circuit energizes the operating coil 97, which so actuates the relay 98 as to disengage a latch 101 to permit a bridging member 102 to drop, thereby disengaging the contact members 34 and engaging the contact. members 103. The engagement of the contact members 103 completes a circuit shunting the operatingcoil 46 of the relay 47, permitting this relay to assume its de-energized position. This operation interruptsthe circuitextending through the operating coil of themagnet-valve 53 which controls the operation of the circuit intercult interrupter o i? open, thereby interruption; ti circ it e1. ending from primary Windmes 1 to the tran former -1- and precluding: turoration ot' the converter until the ion, shown the dia- Means of an operating; handle 104. condition. known as the loch-out condition of the suhstation iaratus. is also -fikt'l ll in simila lllllnlliby means of the energization oi a v of the other three operoils iii 104'} or it? toe relay 98 rue to the engagement of contact H9. 109 or 111 and 11?} simultaneously. respectively. T act nicuibe L LllQ ceed a predetera urther opcrat 1e mnverte 'would damage the bearings.

Electri 'al cnfjr'ieii'ient hers 10S etlec in 2' in excess of a prcdeter; r any phase of the supply the We 1. accomplished by the series transfori whicli snnolv ere 115 of thealternating curr 116. When th. amount of one: 7

cds a predetermi'ied value predetermined curr supply circuit 1, either or born or the r I 15 Jill e actna ed to gagemeuo o" he contact members 109.

The same operation ell'ects engagement of the contact members 11'? of the alternatingcurrent overload relays 116, which completes an electri al circuit; extending from the posicontact menic t current .1. '1 traverses eorres o a tra rersin tivc terminal 31 o: the storage battery 32 through the swltch 21, conact members 52, trr pingr end 113 e he circuit. interrupter (3,

l contact members 117 and switch 1 .1 to the live terminal 36 of the storage battery l 61, the tripping coil 118 is thus end it so attracts its arn'iature member 119 as [O diseng e the latch from the lever 39 anl permm the circuit l1 terrupter 6 to open quickly. This quicl; opening of the cii rcn rer 6 atl ords protection to ratus against heavy overrev. currents trav- 1e supply circuit Y 5;; the period when i a relay 120 its more

act members 31, operatelav 9S, conductor 262,

previously described. but iiltlSlliUL.

will not be locltcd the oplO (,(lll

memion of l in a manner 1 rea -ct to he i .:ijinv'nhcrs11);). 'llhe is then, :a condition for ion apparatus rvice A circuit shunt; eratiim coil 16 oi the vi L W}. 1.11 meted. ion to e1, taioimii i and 615.:113

3 will he stop .ialance in the various phases lpcrs it, the apparatus will locked out service, t dercribed above during the -artiirc period.

Qlssuniing that the converter 3 has started in 0 n raider normal condrions with correct pi the current traversin; the shunt lichl rim incrcasws as the terminal voltage of the converter increases, until i suhicient to actuate a field-current relay 1 by reason ot the energization of an op- L g coil 121, which is ciiecte-zl by current "raversing the circuit extending from the posit v tern inal of the converter 3:3 through the switch S9, 5] ant field-magnet windings 92. switch S9, resistor 1" operating coil til, and contact membe V a; to the negative terminal of the converter J.

The actuatimi oil the relay 1:33 ellects engagement of the contact member; 12;; and 129 respectively. The engagement of the contact members 128 complet an electrical circuit extending; from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the switch 21, con'act members 62). conductor 11, auxiliary contact members 131 of the circuit interrupter (3, contact members auxiliary contact members 1312 of the circuit int-..-rruotcr 13, operating coil of a n agnet-valr-cc 1 3 -1 oi? the circuit interrupter 1i, and the sw tch 131. to the negative terminal 3-6 of the e'ioia' e battery 3-. The circuit interrinaw if h; thereby pnecinatically actuated in a 1 similar to that described above wizh to the other pneumati ally-o;r v led interrupters, and the positi ve terminal i l; converter 2' is thereby *onnected through the shuntlti, the circuit interrupter 1'1". and he valve of the circuit interrupter 19, and the;

switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. The operatin coil of the magnet-valve 136 is thus energized, and

the circuit interrupter 19 is pneumatically actuated in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the other pneumaticallyoperated circuit interrupters, and a circuit shunting the resistor 18 is completed.

In the event that the current traversing the direct current windings of the converter 3' exceeds a predetermined value, the drop in potential in the commutating field-magnet winding 14 will be such as to so energize the operating coil 137 of the relay 138 as to actuate the relay 138 to disengage the contact mem bers 135. This interrupts the circuit extending through the operating coil of the magnet-1 current circuit and thereby reduce the amount of current that can traverse this circuit.

In case the current traversing the direct- I current circuit exceeds a predeterminedvalue,

the resistor 18 will be heated to such a degree of its contact members 141.

that an adjacent bimetallic member 139 will be deflected sufliciently to eifectengagemcnt This completes a circuit shunting the operating coil 46 of the relay 47 and stops the operation of the sub station apparatus in a manner similar to that previously described.

Restarting of the substation apparatus is precluded until the-temperature of the bimetallic member 139 falls to such a degree that electrical connection is broken between the contact members 141, when the operating coil 46 of the relay 47 will no longer be shortcircuitcd.

If, for any reason, the direct-current circuit of the converter 311s traversed by a current in the reverse of normal direction, the current traversing the circuit extending through the shunt 16 and the operating coil 46' of the relay 47 and thereby stopping the operation of the substation apparatus in a manner similar to that previously described with respect to the operation of the bimetallic member 139.

In the event that any of the phases of the supply circuit 1 become relatively reversed, or that the voltage of the supply circuit 1 falls below a predetermined value, the energy supplied to the operating coilsof a reverse-phase and low-voltage relay 148 from a potential transformer 149 will not be suflicient to hold the movable member of the relay 148 in its upper position and it will drop to effectengagement ofits contactmembers 151. If this condition occurs during the starting period of the converter 3, a circuit is completed extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through switch 21, contact members 69, conductor 71, resistor 72, auxiliary contact members 152- of the interrupter 13, which are engaged when the interrupter is in its open position, contact members 151, and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery The operating coil of the magnet-valve 73, which controls the operation of the circuit interrupter 11, is thus shunted by the circuit extending through the contact members 152 and 151 and the circuit interrupter 11 will thereby be opened.

If the movablemember of the relay 148 dropsto its lower position, by reason of a relative phase reversal of abnormal reduction of voltage in the'supply circuit 1 as described above, during the normal running period of the converterB, when the circuit interrupter 13 is closed, the contactmembers 152 will be disengaged, but the contact members 153 will be engaged. The operation of I the relay 148 effects engagement of the contact members 151 to complete an electrical circuit shunting the operating coil, 46 of the relay 47. This stops the operation of the substation apparatus in a manner similar to thatidescribed previously with respect to the relays 139 and 143. 1 i

A thermal relay 15 4 furnishes protection forthe substation apparatus against continumg loads exceeding a predetermined value. This protection is obtained by means of the series transformers 114-which supply energy to the operating coil 155 of the thermal relay 154 in direct proportionto the current traversal of the supply circuit 1. The deflect-ion of a bimetallic member 150 included in the relay 154 is dependent upon its temperature,which is roportional to the'energy supplied to the A centrifugal device 157 is attached to the shaft oi the converter 3 through a spring 160 in such a manner that, if the speed of the converter exceeds a predetermined value, the member 157 will engage a stem 158 to force a bridging member 159 out of electrical engagement with the contact members 51. The breaking of electrical connection between the contact members 51 interrupts the circuit extending through the operating coil 46 of the relay 1-7 and thereby permits this relay to assume its de-ei'iergized position. This stops the operation of the substation apparatus by interrupting the circuit that supplies energy to the operating coil of the 1nagnetvalve 53 that controls the operation ot the circuit interrupter 6.

The various protective features provided tor the substation apparatus during the starting and running 01" the converter 3 have now been fully described. It will now be assumed that the converter 3 has been normally started in operation in response to a reduction of voltage in the distribution circuit 2, and that it has been operating normally so to supply direct-current energy to the distribution circuit 2 during an interval of time. These conditions correspond, in a rail ay substation, to the approach of a car to the vicinity oi? the substation, so that the operating energy which the car takes from the distribution circuit causes a reduction of voltage in the distribution circuit. Assuming that the car has now moved away from the vicinity of the substation and that the current traversing the distribution circuit 2 has thereby fallen below a predetermined value, the current traversing the supply circuit 1 will be proportionately decreased. The energy supplied by the series transformers 11% to the operating coil 161 of a relay 162 will be likewise decreased. When the energization of the operating coil 161 of the relay 162 decreases below a predetermined value, the movable member of the relay 162 drojs to its lower position to eit'ect engagement of its contact members 163, which completes an electrical circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery through the switch 21, conductor 251, contact members 83, contact members 34, motor the operating coil 63 of the electromagnet 64; and the contact members 62 in parallel with the motor 35, contact members 163, switch 25, contact members 164:, and

switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32.

The motor and operating coil 63 ot the elcctromagnct 64-, have been (lo-energized since the voltage of the distribution circuit as restored to its normal value by the startof the converter 3 in operation, and the itant cnergisation or the operating coil 1 ot the relay 28 become sufiicient to lift the novable member oi the relay 28 to disengage the contact members 29. During this time, the worm 38 has been out of engagement with the worm-wheel 67, thereby permitting the spring 165 to return the shaft 93 to its original position. The motor 35 and the coil 63 are now re-energized by reason of the engagement ot' the contact members 163. This starts the motor 35, and as the electromagnet 64 holds the worm 38 in en ageuicnt with the worm-wheel 67, the shaft 31, worm 3S, wormwheel 67, shaft 93, and insulating disc 168 are also rotated. It the light load comlition persists over a predetermined interval of time, say 20 minutes. thereby permitting the movable member of the relay 162 to remain in its lower position and maintain engagement: of the contact members 163. the motor 35 will have operated for a sutlieicnt time to bring a conducting member 169 that supported by the insulating disc 168 into engagement with its contact members 171. This operation completes a circuit shunting the operating coil 46 of the relay 4:7 and causes the operation of the substation apparatus to stop in the san manner as previou ly described with respect to the operation of the relays 139 and 14 The cycle of automatic operation of the substation apparatus, including the operation of various protective features, has now been described in full and the substation is again in its inoperative condition, ready to respond to a reduction of voltage in the distribution circuit as before. M

The apparatus embodying my invention also comprises means for individually controlling the connection ot various t'ceder cir cuits to the distribution circuit Figure 2 shows two such feeder circuits 172 and 173 with means for controlling their eonncction to the distribution circuitiZ, and similar reference numerals are applied in both cases. hen one of the feeder circuit-s, such as circuit 172, is in its normal operating condition. it is electrically connected to the distribu t-ion circuit 2 through a circuit interrupter 174, which is held in its circuit-closing pas? tion by pneumatic pressure transn'iitted trom the reservoir through a pipe 175 and a magnet-valve 176 to an operating cylinder 177 of the circuit interrupter 174.

The operating coil of the magnet-valve 176 is energized by currenttraversing the circuit extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32, through the switch 21, conductor 251, resistor 17S, contact members 179 of a supervisory relay 2-17, operating coil of the magneta'alve 176. auxiliary contact members 181. of the interrupter 177i". conductor 257, and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32.

In case of a heavy current surge in the feeder circuit 172, the cl'ianging flux set up within a series transformer 182 cause; current to traverse the circuit ex end Er through the secondary winding of this transformer and the operating coil 183 of a short-circuit detector relay 184, thereby energizing the coil 183 to cause the movable member of the relay 184 to momentarily move to its circuitclosing position with respect to the contact members 185. This completes a circuit extendingfrom the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery .32 through the switch 21, con

A positive terminal 31 of the storage battery shunt suflicient current through the circuit resistor 202, switch 23, feeder circuit 17 2, and

doctor 251. resistor 186, the operating coil 187 of a holding relay 188, contact members 185, contactmembers 181, conductor 257 and switch 21 to thenegative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. The coil 187 is thus ener ized to cause the movable member of thc. relay 188 to effect engagementof its contact members 189, 191 and 192. Engagement of the contact members 189 and 192 so shunts the contact members 185 as to maintain energization of the coil 187 after the current surge in the feeder circuit 172 has stop d and permitted the movableimember of t e relay 184 to disengage the contact members 185. Engagement of the contact members 189 and 191 shunts the operating coil of the magnet-valve 176 to thereby cause this coil to be de-energized to permit the circuit interrupter 174 to return to its circuit-opening position in the same manner asthat described previously with respect to the other pneumatically-operated circuit interrupters.

In the circuit-opening position of the circuit interrupter 174, its auxiliary contact members 193 are engaged, thereby'complcting an electrical circuit extending "from the 32 through the switch 21, conductor 251, resistor 194, the operating coil 195 of a timeelement relay 196, contact members 193, conductor 257, and switch 21 to the negative terminal'36 of the storage battery 32. The movable member of the relay 196 moves slow- 1y to effect engagement of its contact memhere 197, by reason of the action of its piston 198 and dash-pot 199.

After a predetermined interval of time, therefore, en agement of the contact members 197 is efiected to complete a circuit extending from the terminals of the circuit interrupter 174, through the switch 23, resistors 201 and 202 that are connected'in parallel relation, the operating coil 203 of a resetting relay 204, resistor 205, contact mem bers 197, conductor 257, and switch-21 tothe 1 negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. I

In the event that the low resistance circuit, which caused the current surge in the feeder circuit 172, still exists, the resistor 202 will extending from the resistor 201 through the the circuit of low resistance, which caused the current surge, to ground, to preclude sufiicient energization of the coil 203 to actuate the relay 204 to close its contact members 206. v

Thus the reclosing of the circuit interrupter 174 is precluded.

When the'circuit of low resistance, which caused the current surge in the feeder circuit 172, is removed, a suiliciently heavy current traverses the circuit extending through the operating coil 203 to cause the relay204 to eiiect engagement of the contact members 206. .A circuit is thereby completed extending from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the switch 21, conductor 251, resistor 178, contact members 179, operating coil of the magnet-valve 176, contact members 206, conductor 257, and switch 21 tothe negative terminal of the storage battery 32. r

he movable member of the relay 188 having efl'ected disengagement of the. contact members 189, 191 and 192, by reason of the disengagement of the contact members 181 when the circuit interrupter 174 moved'to its circuit-opening position, the operating coil ofthe magnet-valve 176 is no longer shunted and is now re-e'nergized by the current trav ersing the circuit completed by the engagement of the contact members 206. Reclosing of thecircuit interrupter 174 is now effected in the same manner as previously described.

This operation dlsengages the contact membcrs 193, thereby interrupting the circuitextending through the operating coil 195 of the relay 196, and permitting the movable mem ber of this relay to disen age thecontact members 197. The feeder circuit 172 is now reconnected to the distribution circuit 2 and the controlling means are in the same condition as before the occurrence of the current surge,- and are prepared for the same cycle of operation, as described above, in the event that another current surge occurs.

The storage battery 32 is maintained in an energy storing condition by current traversing the circuit extending from the circuit 2 I through the resistor 207 and the storage battion of the governor 213 is such that the pneumatic pressure transmitted from the reservoir 54 through a pipe 216to the governor controls the making of electrical connection be tween the switch 215 and the motor 209.

If the pneumatic pressure falls below a predetermined minimum valuewhile the compressor 208 is not in operation, the govof the governor 2123. r'rir prevented 'trom pa sing from the reservoir into the come pressor 208, during the time when the compressor is not operati g, by a checl: valve 217.

The system en'ibodying my invention, in addition to being adapted to operate automatically as described above, is also capable of being partially or completely controlled from a remote point. The controlling means of the substation apparatus may be operated from a remote point by ".nsn'iitting a code of electrical impulses over a two-wire circuit provided for that purpose, to a selector switch the mechanical construct 3 similar to that shown in Pat )l E. E. Clement, issued Aug. 11, 1914-. circuits of a .4 motor switch of this type for controlling power apparatus are shown in the copcrding application of il ensley et al., Serial No. ltitlOOl, liled May 19, 1923, and assigned to the Vestinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company. This selector switch is adapted to control the energization of the operating coil of any one or the series of relays 218, 221, 2L2, 223 and 22% in response to the proper code of impulses transmitted from the remote point, '11 a similar manner to that shown in the above-ii'lentitied application.

Operation of the converter 3 is initiated by transmitting the proper code of impulses to 0 use the energization of the operating coil t the relay 218. This etl 'ects engagementof: its contact members 2 5, which completes an e terminal 226 of a sto e battery 227 through c switch 22, the opcr coil Q, of a relay contact members 225 and su iL-ell to the c ive terminal 231 of the storage battery thcrel fi (MP5 the coil 8 to cause to eti'ect engagement of the con- 1 members 232. These contact members he contact member l and when th god, the operation of the converter 3 t d in the same manner as though the operation had been initiated by the engagement of the control members it, as previously described.

The operation of the converter 3 may be stopped at any time by transmitting the proper code of impulses to cause the selector gized. When the operating coil of this relay is energized, engagement of the contact members is eliected to complete a circuit extending from the positive terminal 226 of the storage battery 22? through the switch 22, operating coil 23 1 of the relay 235, contact members 233 and switch 22 to the negative terminal 231 of the storage battery The energization of the coil causes the relay to ctl'ect engagement of the contact members 236 which shunt the operating coil 46 ot' the relay 47. The operating coil 1 .6 is thus deenergized and the movable member of the relay 47 moves to its circuit-opening position, thereby stopping operation of the converter 3 in the same manner as described with respect to the automatic control ot' the substation apparatus.

If it desired to look the substation apparatus out of service, a code of impulses is transmitted that so act-uates the selector switch as to cause the operating coil oi: a relay 221 to be energized. When this coil is ener ized, engagement of the contact membe 3" is eti'ectcd and an electrical circuit extending from the positive terminal 226 oi" the storage battery 227 through the switch 22, 'stor 238, operating coil 239 01' the relay 242:1, contact members 237, and switch 22 to the negative terminal 231 of the storage battery is completed. The operating coil is thus energized to cause the relay 241 to etl'ect disengagementof the contact members 33 and engagement of the contact: members 243. Engagement of the contact members 243 completes a circuit shunting the contact members 237, and maintains the energization of the coil 239 after the contact members 237 are disengaged.

Disengagement of the contact members interrupts the circuits extending through the motor 35 and operating coil 63 of the electromagnet 6%, thereby preventing the controlling means of the substation apparatus from functioning, as previously described, so as to start the operation of the converter 3.

hen it is desired to put the substation apparatus in condition for further operation, such a code of impulses is transmitted to the selector switch that it causes the operating coil at the relay to be energized. This ettects engagement of the contact members 242, which shunt the operating coil 239 of the relay 2&1. The operating coil 239 is thereby (lo-energized and the relay 211 is permitted to engage its contactmembers 33, and disengage its contact members 243. The apparatus is now in condition for operation in the same manner as before the operating coil 239 of the relay 2&1 was energized.

In a manner similar to that just described for locking the substation apparatus out of service, any feeder circuit or circuits may be disconnected from the distribution circuit ,ficient current around it to 2 and reconnected thereto at an desired time. The feeder circuit 17 2 will e considered in this respect, and it is understood that each of the otherfeeder circuits may be con trolled in the same manner. In order to disconnect the feeder circuit 172 from the distribution circuit 2, the proper code of impulses is transmitted to the selector switch to cause it to com lete a circuit extending through the operating coil of the relay 223, thereby energizing this coil to effect engagement of the contact members 244.

This operation completes a circuit extend ing from the positive terminal 31 of the storage battery 32 through the switch 21, conductor 251,-resistor 245, operating coil 246 of the relay 247, contact members 244, con- .ductor 257, and switch 21 to the negative terminal 36 of the storage battery 32. The

operating coil 246 is thereby energized to cause the relay 247 to effect disengagement of the contact members 179 and engagement of the contact members 248. y The contact members 248 shunt the contact members 244, so that the circuit extending through the operating coil 246 will be maintained through the contact members 248 after the contact members 244 are disengaged.

The disengagement of the contact members 179 interrupts the circuit extending through the operatin coil of the magnetvalve 176, thereby prec uding energization of the coil of this magnet-valve, which precludes pneumatic closing of the circuit interrupter 174. This condition is maintained until it desired to reconnect the feeder circuit 172 to the distribution circuit 2, when such a code of impulses is transmitted to the selector switch that it causes the operating coil of the relay 224 to be energized.

When the operating coil of this relay is energized, the contact members 249 are engaged, thereby close-circuiting the terminals of the operating coil 246, and shunting sufermit the relay 247 to efiect engagement of t 1e contact membars 17 9 and disengagement of the contact members 248. The system is now in the same condition as before the coil 246 was energized.

In the schematic diagram shown in Figure 3, the same reference numerals have been -used to designate various parts of the apparatus as in Figures 1 and 2.

It is understood that the system embodying my invention is not limited to the details of construction described herein, butnumerous modifications may be made in the apparatus without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. ,In an electrical system, the combination with an alternating-current circuit, a directcurrent circuit, and a converter, of electrically-controlled pneumatically-operated switches for connecting the converter between the alternating and direct-current circuits, a compressor for supplying pneumatic energy to the pneumatically-operated switchesand means connected to the direct-current circuit for operatin the compressor.

2. In an e ectrical system, thecombination with an alternating-current circuit, a directcurrent-circuit, a transformer and a converter, means comprising a plurality of electrically controlled neumatically operated switches for connecting theconverter to the alternating-current circuit through the transformer and for connecting theconverter to the direct-current circuit in response to the development by the converter of a predeter-.

mined polarity and potential, a batter for supplying current to the control circuits of the electrically-controlled pneumaticallyoperated switches, and means supplied from the direct current circuit for supplying pneumatic energy to operate the pneumatically-operated switches.

3. In an electrical system, the combination with an alternating-current circuit, a directcurrent circuit, a transformer and a converter,of means comprising a pneumaticallyoperated circuit interrupter for connecting the transformer to the alternating-current circuit, a second pneumatically-operated interrupter cont-rolled by the closure of the first interrupter for connecting the converter to the relatively low-potential points on the transformer, a third neumatically-operated interrupter controlled by the closure of the second interrupter for connecting the converter to relatively high-potential points on the transformer, means comprising pneumatically-operated means for connecting the converter to the direct-current circuit in response to the development by the converter of a predetermined polarity and potential, and

automatic means supplied with energy from the direct-current circuit for maintaining a ber, 1923.

ROY J. WENSLEY. 

